I come from a family who love glass, and after moving here I see there are a lot of private and public glass makers.
Any of you make your own glass art? If so where did you start? The only entry into such a wonderful art form seems to be the museum downtown, but alas the classes are way out of my budget. Any other ways to learn, work with other artists, and buy kiln (forge?) time? :)
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There are demonstrations (free) and hands-on classes (small fee) at the Glass Pavilion (Toledo Museum of Art) nearly everyday. Check the museum's online calendar:
This is what's going on Friday... only $25 bucks.
6:00pm
Art Hour: Create a Glass Heart
When Fri, February 12, 6pm – 7pm
Where GP Hot Shop
Description Try your hand at glassworking at one of these hour-long sessions. Buy tickets ($15 members/$25 nonmembers; no refunds) in person or by phone during Museum hours starting the Tuesday before each session, or on the day of the session if tickets remain. Adults and children 14+ accompanied by adult are welcome. Call (419) 254-5771 ext. 7448. NOTE: Most items created in Art Hours require a 24-hour annealing (finishing) process. Therefore, they must be picked up at a later date.
I'll second Molsonator, since it opened, Firenation has only grown and gotten better. Funny time in my life walking through SeaTac airport and running into the Matt, the owner of FN. I think he was out there doing an apprenticeship with Dale Chihuly. Anyhoo...not sure of the Doc's name anymore but my mom used to buy Christmas ornaments from a pediatric dentist in Maumee. He blew his own stuff after learning how at the Art Museum. Funny how someone's spare time hobby ended up creating coveted heirloom gifts in my extended family.
Ditto on the Firenation recommendations. Matt is a great guy, an incredible teacher and his studio is top notch.
I started glassblowing 7 of 8 years ago, and what started as a hobby evolved into a career change. In 1995 I became a full-time glass artist and since then have been afforded the opportunity to travel all over the world, teaching and sharing my love for the glass arts.
As an alternative to hotshop type glassblowing, you might consider looking into flameworking. It's done with a table top torch setup using class rods and small tools. Much less expensive, and very do-able at home. You can get started at home for as little as $200 and a relatively small workspace.
Here are a few examples of contemporary flameworkers and what they're doing...
posted by prairieson on Feb 10, 2010 at 10:03:49 am #
http://www.firenation.com/
Check them out.
posted by Molsonator on Feb 09, 2010 at 07:16:57 pm #